Perhaps the original democratic, barrier-breaking format in modern music, the cassette tape still refuses to die. Exploring the role of this revolutionary invention in the proliferation of pop culture, Cassette features musical luminaries such as Henry Rollins, Thurston Moore (Sonic Youth) and Ian MacKaye (Minor Threat, Fugazi), who appear alongside a legion of young bands still releasing music on tape, and the man who unleashed a new music sharing culture on the world, paving the way to the likes of MySpace and Spotify.

Followed by a Q&A with director Zack Taylor, editor and producer Georg Petzold, Lou Ottens, inventor of the compact cassette, and very special guests.Tickets available from the Genesis website here.

An intimate portrait of friendship, love triangles and home furnishings, Jan Hillman’s debut feature follows the journey of three friends across London. Transporting a couch to its new home, this new bit of furniture is a vehicle for mining themes of friendship and unspoken desire among modern urban twentysomethings, in the process exploring the Tinder generation’s approach to sex, secrets and second-hand sofas.

A thriller about a young woman’s journey of self-discovery, that takes a dangerous direction as she struggles to escape the agony of unrequited love. Cara is a massage student, tucked away in the heart of the English countryside. When charismatic American Jay joins her class, Cara is instantly smitten, despite her best friend’s reservations. Jay is under the influence of his egotistical brother Matt and is swallowed into a world of parties and beautiful people in East London; when he meets the gorgeous Parisian Natasha, he is convinced it is love. When news reaches Cara, it triggers a transformation to become beautiful and sophisticated, just like the French. But are her intentions towards Jay still pure?

Every year, the East End Film Festival seeks to champion the most exciting, distinctive new films from first and second time directors. Seeking the irrepressible creativity and energy that comes from first steps into feature filmmaking, and stories that touch on the nature of life in London, the EEFF’s Opening Night Gala is a space for us to delight in the announcement of important new voices in film. In 2016’s Opening Night Gala film, London-based filmmaker Ian Bonhote makes a rip-roaring debut feature in Alleycats, a thriller that romps through the streets of London from the seat of a bicycle. When bike courier Chris witnesses what looks like a murder, his first instinct is to cut and run. But when his curiosity draws him back in, he’s soon embroiled in a world of corruption, political power, and illegal bike racing. His sister Danni has to take on the role of the hero, and go up against the entire establishment. Featuring a fantastic turn by John Hannah (Four Weddings & A Funeral, Sliding Doors, The Mummy) as a shady MP, Alleycats a riotously entertaining, tense gauntlet ride through the streets of London (and East London), featuring a flock of rising British talent, all of them on wheels. An exciting, bold piece of London centric filmmaking, we are delighted to present Alleycats as our Opening Night Gala.

20.30 – World Premiere screening of ALLEYCATS, followed by a Q&A with cast and crew

The bet of a lifetime takes centre stage in A Punter’s Prayer, a wry North London-set dramedy about getting by, dreaming big and rolling the dice. Jack (Tommy O’Neill) is down on his luck, and running out of chances to escape his increasingly precarious life. When he decides to bet against the odds on the horses, the prospect of a fortune beckons. But as ever, life is never so straightforward. Featuring EEFF alumnus Dexter Fletcher, this rollicking debut makes the case that when the odds are stacked against you, bet your life on it.

From a precarious past to an uncertain future. A River explores the River Afan’s polluted past and its miraculous recovery, while also focusing on the current battle of locals and environmentalists against fracking in the area. Narrated by actor Michael Sheen and featuring a soundtrack by Massive Attack musicians Robert Del Naj and Euan Dickinson, this is a paean to community, local democracy and the natural world.

Followed by a Q&A with Amelia Womack (Deputy leader of the Green Party,Leader of the Welsh Green Party) and director Anthony Tombling Jr, hosted by Emma Howard (Environment correspondent, The Guardian).Tickets available from the Genesis website here.